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Hurricane Irma Local Statement Advisory Number 39
National Weather Service Key West FL AL112017
634 PM EDT Fri Sep 8 2017
This product covers Florida Keys
**Potentially catastrophic Hurricane Irma continues to pose a likely significant and potentially catastrophic threat to the Florida Keys**
NEW INFORMATION
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* CHANGES TO WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- None
* CURRENT WATCHES AND WARNINGS:
- A Storm Surge Warning and Hurricane Warning are in effect for Monroe Lower Keys, Monroe Middle Keys, and Monroe Upper Keys
* STORM INFORMATION:
- About 375 miles east-southeast of Key West FL or about 340 miles east-southeast of Marathon FL or about 320 miles southeast of Key Largo FL
- 22.1N 76.5W
- Storm Intensity 155 mph
- Movement West or 280 degrees at 12 mph
SITUATION OVERVIEW
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* Potentially catastrophic Hurricane Irma, located just north of the southeast coast of the island of Cuba, is expected to move west and then west northwest along the north central coast of Cuba Saturday afternoon. Thereafter, Hurricane Irma is expected to turn northwest and into the Straits of Florida Saturday night before crossing near the westernmost portion of the Middle Keys during Sunday morning and early afternoon. Subsequently, all significant hurricane impact threats are likely this weekend, including life threatening storm surge flooding and damaging winds, potentially extremely high rainfall amounts, as well as a threat of tornadoes.
Most Likely Arrival Time of tropical storm-force winds will be early Saturday afternoon. Preparations to protect life and property should be completed now.
POTENTIAL IMPACTS
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* WIND:
Protect against life-threatening wind having possible devastating impacts across Florida Keys. Potential impacts include:
- Structural damage to sturdy buildings, some with complete roof and wall failures. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Damage greatly accentuated by large airborne projectiles. Locations may be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
- Numerous large trees snapped or uprooted along with fences and roadway signs blown over.
- Many roads impassable due to large debris. Many bridges, causeways, and access routes impassable.
- Widespread power and communications outages. Major damage possible to communication towers.
* SURGE:
Protect against life-threatening surge having possible devastating impacts across portions of the Florida Keys. Potential impacts in this area include:
- Widespread deep inundation, with storm surge flooding greatly accentuated by powerful battering waves. Structural damage to buildings, with many washing away. Damage greatly compounded from considerable floating debris. Locations may be uninhabitable for an extended period.
- Many large sections of highways, roads, and low-lying escape routes washed out or severely flooded. Some causeways washed out. Low elevation bridges damaged. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Extreme beach erosion. New shoreline cuts possible. - Massive damage to marinas, docks, boardwalks, and piers. Numerous small craft broken away from moorings with many lifted onshore and stranded.
* FLOODING RAIN:
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible devastating impacts across portions of the island chain.
Potential impacts include:
- Several locations may experience rainfall flooding at or near historic levels. Widespread, rapid inundation covers both primary and secondary roads. Damage to vehicles and ground floor homes and businesses.
Protect against life-threatening rainfall flooding having possible extensive impacts across portions of the Florida Keys.
* TORNADOES:
Protect against a tornado event having possible limited impacts across Florida Keys. Potential impacts include:
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions.
- Roofs may peel off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
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* EVACUATION:
A mandatory evacuation is in effect for all Florida Keys residents and visitors. If evacuating the Florida Keys or relocating to a nearby shelter, leave as soon as possible before weather conditions become hazardous. The FIU hurricane shelter is open, but contact the Monroe County Emergency Management Center at 1-800-955-5504 for further information.
The Snake Creek Drawbridge in Islamorada is locked down for the duration of the storm.
The Port of Key West will officially close tonight at 8 pm.
In addition, Keys Energy announced electricity will not be shut off. However, when tropical storm force winds of 40 mph or higher begin, all crews will be called in from the field. If power outages occur thereafter, Keys Energy crews will not attempt to restore power until its safe and the storm has passed.
* OTHER PREPAREDNESS INFORMATION:
Always heed the advice of local officials and comply with any orders that are issued. Do not needlessly jeopardize your life or the lives of others.
For emergency purposes, have someone located away from the threatened area serve as your point of contact. Share vital contact information with others. Keep cell phones handy and well charged.
Closely monitor NOAA Weather Radio or other local news outlets for official storm information. Listen for possible changes to the forecast.
In emergencies it is best to remain calm. Stay informed and focused on the situation at hand. Exercise patience with those you encounter. Be a Good Samaritan and helpful to others.
* ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION:
-For Storm Information follow NWS Florida Keys on Facebook and Twitter @NWSKeyWest
- For information on appropriate preparations see ready.gov
- For information on creating an emergency plan see getagameplan.org
- For additional disaster preparedness information see redcross.org
- For Florida Division of Emergency Management information, see floridadisaster.org
- For Monroe County Emergency Management information, see www.monroecountyem.com/index.aspx?NID=1
- For Monroe County evacuation information, see www.monroecountyem.com/index.aspx?NID=255
- For information on shelters located outside of Monroe County, see www.monroecountyem.com/index.aspx?nid=122
- For Monroe County shelter information, see www.monroecountyem.com/index.aspx?nid=121
NEXT UPDATE
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The next local statement will be issued by the National Weather Service in Key West FL around 9 PM EDT, or sooner if conditions warrant.
Click here to read more at The National Hurricane Center
